每日大赛 Celebrates 2019 Cultural Graduations
The 每日大赛 recognized 250 students at the 2019 Cultural Graduation celebrations held in honor of the students鈥� diverse heritages and educational journeys.
Parents and friends stood as the students shared words with the crowd, and were adorned with a cultural sash that can be worn during commencement ceremonies on May 31 and June 1.
Some students gave thanks in their native languages. Others recited their favorite quotes. One student held a photo of her grandmother as she spoke.
鈥淭o my family who continue to tell me I鈥檓 more than enough, thank you,鈥� said doctoral student Diana Ochoa. 鈥淎nd to my father, I did it!鈥�
This year, the university held four cultural ceremonies over two days 鈥� Unity in Diversity, Black Cultural Graduation Celebration, and two LatinX Cultural Graduation Celebrations.聽 The ceremonies featured dance, music, speakers, and certificates of achievement.
University President Devorah Lieberman congratulated the graduates for their dedication and commitment to making a difference through their education. 鈥淓ach of you has made us stronger and more dedicated,鈥� Lieberman said. 鈥淥ur differences are an opportunity to create change and we thank you.鈥�
Kim Dieu, assistant professor of school psychology at LaFetra College of Education and keynote speaker at the Unity in Diversity Celebration, said that earning a degree not only represents program completion, it represents victory in overcoming trials and adversities.
鈥淚t symbolizes the hope that we have in our abilities and potential; most importantly, it embodies the sacrifice and struggle of our loved ones and their unwavering belief in us,鈥� Dieu said.
At the morning LatinX1 celebration, keynote speaker Margarita Machado-Casas, PhD, reminded students that everyone crosses borders- 聽whether it is academic, social, gender, or political. With every border, she said 鈥淪tay focused and never cross your will. You need a positive attitude to get ahead.鈥�
During the 19th Annual Black Cultural Graduation Celebration, Niki Elliott, co-director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness had the students on their feet reciting 鈥淚 am safe in my own arms, I love myself unconditionally鈥 am good enough to belong here.鈥�
At the final celebration of the day, Eric Resendiz, a reporter with KABC News, shared how important these unique ceremonies are. 鈥淭here are not enough words to express the great impact this event possesses.鈥�
Each ceremony was met with cheers, tears, and inspiration.
鈥淚f you want to learn go to La Verne,鈥� said graduate student Linda McShan. 鈥淣ever give up, it鈥檚 never too late to achieve your dreams.鈥�
Photos by Nancy Newman
